“Why, they were fastened the way you taught me, Bob!” I cried.
“Well, sir, that’s my modesty,” said Bob, with a chuckle. “I can’t say they were done now. Now, matey, stand up, we’ve got lots to do.”
“Can’t,” said Barney.
“Then lie down till we’ve got a lantern, and seen to the captain and Mr Denning.”
“Yes, get a lantern,” said Mr Brymer; “stop, I’ll come with you and stay with Mr Preddle and Dumlow; we mustn’t have the scoundrels break loose. Ha! What’s that?”
The mate asked the question, but we all knew what it was, and started forward at once, for it was the report of a pistol, plainly heard in a lulling of the wind.
Chapter Twenty Five.
It was alarming, but on reaching the hatch over the forecastle there was not much wrong. A desperate attempt had been made to break out, and in the midst of the effort Mr Preddle had fired his pistol, sending the ball splintering through the woodwork, and this had the effect of damping the ardour of the men below for the time. But we did not leave the hatch till it had been made more secure, and then leaving Mr Brymer to strengthen the guard as arranged, we hurried back to relieve the anxiety of Mr Denning and his sister, and of Captain Berriman, who must all of them be in agony.